Granada 1-4 Real Madrid: Player ratings as Los Blancos maintain pressure on Atletico

Real Madrid registered an emphatic 4-1 victory over Granada on Thursday night to leapfrog Barcelona into second place in the La Liga table.

Real took the lead in the 17th minute when 19-year old Miguel Gutierrez – making his full La Liga debut – registered one of the assists of the season with a sensational scoop over the top of Granada’s back line for Luka Modric, who coolly slotted the ball through the legs of Rui Silva.

Zinedine Zidane’s men doubled their lead in first half stoppage time when Marvin Park flicked the ball through for Rodrygo, who drove into the box and finished excellently into the bottom corner.

The hosts were able to pull one back in the 71st minute as Thibaut Courtois saved brilliantly from Luis Suarez’s top corner-bound effort, only for the ball to fall perfectly for Jorge Molina to convert into an empty net.

Real reacted well, however, and quickly dampened Granada’s revival hopes. Two substitutes combined as Eden Hazard’s pull back was rifled home by Alvaro Odriozola after 75 minutes.

Los Blancos put the game to bed just two minutes later when Silva’s calamitous error was punished by Karim Benzema, who rounded off the scoring by latching onto the Granada goalkeeper’s skewed kick and clinically pinging the ball into an empty net from around 35 yards out.

The win puts Real in second position in the La Liga standings, just two points behind leaders Atletico with two matches remaining.

Now, let’s get to Los Blancos’ player ratings…

Thibaut Courtois (GK) – 6/10 – Was desperately unlucky to concede, having saved well from Suarez’s effort. Not too much to report other than that.

Marvin Park (RB) – 7/10 – Sometimes caught out defensively but showed great enthusiasm going forward, causing problems for Granada. Registered an assist for his side’s second before being replaced at the break.

Eder Militao (CB) – 8/10 – Another strong performance, providing cover for his full back with pace and tenacity. Never gave his opposition a moment’s rest, making six interventions.

Nacho Fernandez (CB) – 8/10 – His experience was vital to compensate for the youth of the full backs at times. Read the game brilliantly and kept his colleagues safe with six interceptions.

Miguel Gutierrez (LB) – 8/10 – Solid enough at the back and very comfortable on the ball, using it efficiently and intelligently. Created the opener with wonderful imagination and precise execution to play Modric through.

Casemiro (DM) – 7/10 – Read the game and positioned himself well to provide a solid screen to the back four. Looked a little leggy as the match progressed but his commitment was unquestionable.

Federico Valverde (CM) – 8/10 – Covered every blade of grass and was a real driving force creatively with his four key passes, surging forward in possession as well as playing some delicious through balls from deep. Was also key in breaking up play, always pressing keenly.

Luka Modric (CM) – 9/10 – Spread the ball as effortlessly as we’re used to seeing, making three key passes and conserved his energy well, picking his time to dart forward cleverly to score a lovely goal for the opener.

Just what Real Madrid needed! ?

Rodrygo doubles the lead for Zidane’s side before half time ? pic.twitter.com/8pN18tHmd9

— Premier Sports ? (@PremierSportsTV) May 13, 2021

Rodrygo (RW) – 8/10 – Bright and direct from the outset, providing a danger with his dribbling and ability to pick out space. Displayed brilliant decision making in the final third and got his reward with a well-taken goal to make it 2-0.

Karim Benzema (ST) – 8/10 – Linked up well with those around him to register two key passes and wrapped up the tie with his second half strike.

Vinicius Jr (LW) – 6/10 – A threat whenever he picked up the ball and drove at his opposition. Had them worried throughout, but could never make his opportunities count.

Odriozola seals a MASSIVE win for Real Madrid! ?

They’re keeping the pressure on Atleti ? pic.twitter.com/FzbZObri95

— Premier Sports ? (@PremierSportsTV) May 13, 2021

Alvaro Odriozola (RB) – 7/10 – Looked solid in his defensive duties and finished really well to make it 3-1.

Eden Hazard (LW) – 7/10 – Set up his side’s third with a good pull back to recover from a terrible first touch.

Marco Asensio (RW) – 6/10

Isco (CM) – 6/10

Mariano Diaz (ST) – N/A